“Funny wheel design, bright colour,” he said would continue, but “this time the front grille – currently the front grille is almost the same – (but with the new XV) it will be more aggressive.”

Power will likely be provided by the same 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre boxer engine that drives the Impreza, matched to six-speed manual and CVT automatic transmissions. Although the current model can be in hybrid and diesel forms, overseas, neither option has come to Australia.

Speaking with CarAdvice today, Subaru Australia communications manager David Rowley said that although it’s too soon to talk on specific technical details, the company has not been overwhelmed with calls for an alternative to the petrol option.

“Given we sold over 8000 last year, we’re certainly pleased with the ongoing strong interest in what is a mature model and anecdotally we don’t receive much customer and prospect enquiry about diesel or hybrid options for XV,” he said.

Above: the outgoing current-generation XV

The new XV is expected to hit Australia in the middle of 2017, although exact timing is still to be confirmed.

Watch for more details on the new XV to come with its unveiling at the Geneva motor show on March 7.